On the morning of Bengali New Year 15/04/2025, the Department of Sports Science and Yoga (DSSY) of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Belur Math conducted Yogotsav as a part of the count-down celebration of International Day of Yoga (IDY), with 67 days to go to IDY. The event, conducted in collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush, focused on the “Common Yoga Protocol” developed by the Ministry of Ayush.
Common Yoga Protocol is developed to increase accessibility to Yoga. “The focus of Common Yoga Protocol is that everyone can practice this protocol irrespective of their fitness level, making Yoga accessible to the common person” advised Sw. Vidyapradananda Maharaj. This provides a platform to start practicing yoga from where the participants can improve their physical and mental wellbeing with regular practice of yoga.
The event was conducted in 3 halls within the RKMVERI campus with over 250 yoga enthusiasts of all ages and genders participating in the event. The event started sharply at 7:30 am with children and parents performing “Common Yoga protocol” developed by the ministry of Ayush. Two separate batches practiced Yoga in the Yoga Hall and the Atrium of Prajna Bhavan, directed by Mr. Prasanta Samanta, Yoga trainer at DSSY, RKMVERI and demonstrated by alumni of MSc. Yoga, RKMVERI.
At 9 am, Swami Vidyapradananda Maharaj initiated the event at Turiyananda hall at Atma Vikas by introducing the students of the Yoga department who conducted the sessions for the participants from the Kolkata Police Law Institute. The first-year students of MSc. Yoga, Dip Narayan Tah, Subarna Mondal, Suranjan Dhara, and Bisal Samaddar conducted the session with guidance from Sajal Manna. Addl. Commissioner of Police, Special Branch, Kolkata Dhrubajyoti De IPS participated in the event along with the students. He praised the confidence of the students of the Department of Sports Science and Yoga in conducting the session.
The participants completed their trip with a visit to Belur Math. This event seeks to increase awareness about the effects of practicing yoga and the simplicity of practicing Common Yoga Protocol in daily life for everyone, without any prerequisite skills. The participation of diverse demography of individuals was a key strength of the event and shows the potential of Common Yoga Protocol in increasing the participation of yoga. DSSY expresses our gratitude for the success of the event and thanks every individual who helped make this celebration a success by participating and wishes them a happy and healthy life of yoga practice.
| Faculty/Staff Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Swami Vidyapradananda (Primary Coordinator) | Sports Science and Yoga – Belur Campus |
